NEW PRESSURE: McConnell calls on House Republicans to pass 2 month extension

POLITICO Breaking News-------------------------------------------------In a blow to House Republicans, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has called on the House to pass a two-month extension of the payroll tax bill, with a push to use the extra time to negotiate a full year extension. McConnell is also requesting that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid appoint conferees to negotiate a longer-term bill. "The House should pass an extension that locks in the thousands of Keystone XL pipeline jobs, prevents any disruption in the payroll tax holiday or other expiring provisions, and allows Congress to work on a solution for the longer extensions," McConnell said in a Thursday statement.

I have mixed emotions about this whole "2 Month Extension" issue. It's such a blatant exhibit of what I call "Governing with a Band-Aid", and everyone knows we will be right back in this same spot 2 months from now. It's too bad we can't fire the whole inept congress.

CuriousJockAZ saidI have mixed emotions about this whole "2 Month Extension" issue. It's such a blatant exhibit of what I call "Governing with a Band-Aid", and everyone knows we will be right back in this same spot 2 months from now. It's too bad we can't fire the whole inept congress.

So we cant get the repubs to agree on a two month extension but you want them to negotuate now for an entire year?? Last i heard, the repubs already checked out for xmas

In the end we are allowing both sides to bribe us with our own money. The pay roll tax is supposed to contribute to Social Security and Medicare, both going into debt. While those Americans who do pay taxes are getting a break, those who are on Soc Sec/Medicare are now seeing the funding for these problems get lower and lower. In the end I think the boal of both parties is to defund the program to the point where they can implement their own idea of Soc Sec reform, which I feel are best done privatized.

I may be wrong but like AZ said we have been down this extension road time and time again on BOTH SIDES. It never seems to work out like it could and we keep extending it again!

Pres Obama originally wanted a full year extension and now that is what the Repubs are asking for but now Obama is pushing for the two months extension. It is a game of cat and mouse.

The two month extension I feel is purely political. The longer they can keep this in the news and keep extending it the more the Dems can capitalize on it come election year that Republicans want you to pay more taxes! The Republicans want a year extension knowing full well 2 months may not be enough and they too want to get this off the table and focus more on the election.

McConell is pushing Boehner to give in because he is going to have egg on his face if nopt. Boehner vocalized before the Senate vote the House would not vote for a 2 month extension and Mitch called his bluff and now the party look splintered. Maybe miscommunication but I see nothing to be gained from Senate Rupubs going against House.

CuriousJockAZ saidI have mixed emotions about this whole "2 Month Extension" issue. It's such a blatant exhibit of what I call "Governing with a Band-Aid", and everyone knows we will be right back in this same spot 2 months from now. It's too bad we can't fire the whole inept congress.

So we cant get the repubs to agree on a two month extension but you want them to negotuate now for an entire year?? Last i heard, the repubs already checked out for xmas

There is a reason why they don't want the "2 month Extension" and that is mostly because it's "Band-Aid Politics", that will do nothing but kick the can down the road and bring us back to the very same place in February. It makes utterly no sense, and yet we have seen this same story played out over and over and over again the past 3 years. It's called LACK OF REAL LEADERSHIP.

Obama had originally requested a year extension, which is what the House provided. The Senate went for a band-aid approach.

The Republicans in the House were holding out based on principle, knowing that extensions of 2 months at a time would play havoc with businesses and not provide any certainty for the long-term. By holding onto principle, there were losing a public relations game with a President who changed his position purely to exploit the situation, and a media that would go along, blaming the Republicans in the House, versus the Senate, which went home for the holidays.

True the Republicans had a lapse in communication between the Senate and House, which contributed to the PR difficulties, but in terms of principle versus politics, it is clear the the Republicans stood for principle and the Democrats for politics. Assuming the Republicans cave in now, realizing the losing the battle is worth it to win the war, the debate will occur again in a couple of months, and the Republicans will have time to improve their PR and show exactly what the Senate and White House are all about.

McConnell, McCain and other GOP senators have admonished the house republicans for their war against hard working middle class americans. U cant get any clearer that that regarding where the blame lies.

Of course RJ gay repubs who live in an alternate universe wont ever admit this. Just blame both sides as obamas popularity increases and house republicans see their approval ratings almost reaching negative numbers lmao

So we cant get the repubs to agree on a two month extension but you want them to negotuate now for an entire year?? Last i heard, the repubs already checked out for xmas

Incorrect.

The Republican House Conferees are still in town. The Senate Democrat Conferees have left town. Therefore, due to the Senate Democrats having left town, the legislative process can not continue.

Quite reminiscent of what the Democrat State Senators in Wisconsin did earlier in the year - taking the legislative process hostage by leaving the state.

LIES! LIES! LIES!

BTW - I got a reply from admin about why you didn't get my email. They said you either have me on block or marked as spam - both of which I can understand you might have done.

Given Christian's statement yesterday that both NBC and CNN were right-wing outlets, I wouldn't spend too much time replying until he gets a needed break. Maybe his long drive will do him some good because he is obviously losing touch.

So we cant get the repubs to agree on a two month extension but you want them to negotuate now for an entire year?? Last i heard, the repubs already checked out for xmas

Incorrect.

The Republican House Conferees are still in town. The Senate Democrat Conferees have left town. Therefore, due to the Senate Democrats having left town, the legislative process can not continue.

Quite reminiscent of what the Democrat State Senators in Wisconsin did earlier in the year - taking the legislative process hostage by leaving the state.

Legislative Process?????

There is no Legislative Process going on here Or are you playing politically naive on purpose This was ent to committee for the SOLE PURPOSE of killing it That is what you DO WITH BILLS you don't want to pass

The HOuse republicans have said in the past that they didnt want to pass this bill .... And why on earth are we not taking them at their word on that ... When that is EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING

But now Boehner has pulled a Boehner and they are getting the flack that they deserve Best scenario .... That Boehner sticks to his guns and we ride this like the best power bottom the is all the way to the election

Or he puts his tail between his legs and we make fun of him until he gets replaced in about three months

catfish5 saidThe problem is not with the dems. Its a divided republican party. Boehner is letting the TP republicans lead him.

Of course not....The Dems are all too happy to play "Band-Aid Politics" and keep blaming the Republicans right up to the election. Good for the Republicans for holding their feet to the fire and demanding that a one year extension be a better solution than a ridiculous 2 month waste of time. I am in no means not also blaming the Republicans as well for this nonsense. They are ALL useless to the American people.

catfish5 saidMcConnell, McCain and other GOP senators have admonished the house republicans for their war against hard working middle class americans. U cant get any clearer that that regarding where the blame lies.

Of course RJ gay repubs who live in an alternate universe wont ever admit this. Just blame both sides as obamas popularity increases and house republicans see their approval ratings almost reaching negative numbers lmao

Carpfish,

How is the legislation supposed to get passed and sent to the president for signature if the Democrats won't attend the conference?

Listen. You dont have to admit the repubs are wrong. But the way its playing out, may end up being the death knell for the GOP in Nov. McCain and McConnell and Brown and other GOP senators are clearly nervous

^^^^ But it clearly seems Catfish that is what you want, for people to admit they are wrong and you are right. If not why so many topics created ad nauseum harping the same viewpoint and inviting the usual banter of partison politics? There is no right or wrong really, it is all a matter of opinion.

So in essence I am left to believe, like many others, A.) you post to get approval from like minded individuals and reiterate your belief, B.) you post to incite the usual offenders to be pulled into an endless argument of right or wrong, or C.) you post wanting to hear someone from the other side admit that they are finally wrong and your belief is the superior one.

Maybe I am wrong but since I joined years ago the same people are arguing the same issues to this day and while enjoy an good intelligent debate, there is clearly little of that around.

rioriz said^^^^ But it clearly seems Catfish that is what you want, for people to admit they are wrong and you are right. If not why so many topics created ad nauseum harping the same viewpoint and inviting the usual banter of partison politics? There is no right or wrong really, it is all a matter of opinion.

So in essence I am left to believe, like many others, A.) you post to get approval from like minded individuals and reiterate your belief, B.) you post to incite the usual offenders to be pulled into an endless argument of right or wrong, or C.) you post wanting to hear someone from the other side admit that they are finally wrong and your belief is the superior one..

I agree with the latter point in your first paragraph, but disagree with your second. I posted this from "politico" as more of an update. I didn't offer my opinion on anything.

rioriz said^^^^ But it clearly seems Catfish that is what you want, for people to admit they are wrong and you are right. If not why so many topics created ad nauseum harping the same viewpoint and inviting the usual banter of partison politics? There is no right or wrong really, it is all a matter of opinion.

So in essence I am left to believe, like many others, A.) you post to get approval from like minded individuals and reiterate your belief, B.) you post to incite the usual offenders to be pulled into an endless argument of right or wrong, or C.) you post wanting to hear someone from the other side admit that they are finally wrong and your belief is the superior one.

Maybe I am wrong but since I joined years ago the same people are arguing the same issues to this day and while enjoy an good intelligent debate, there is clearly little of that around.

^^^^^ Very astute posting ^^^^ Catfish clearly grasps at any and every morsel he can and posts them in thread after thread in order to incite some sort of flame war -- and he often succeeds. What he has never quite succeeded at, however, is convincing many of us that he has any real intellectual opinions of his own other than left wing talking posts lifted off of an MSNBC website or broadcast. Case in point is his constant prediction that South Carolina will neither support an African-American or a Mormon. Of course, after the South Carolina Governor recently came out and endorsed mormon Mitt Romney, all you could hear was crickets chirping around the Catfish bowl.

CuriousJockAZ said^^^^^ Very astute posting ^^^^ Catfish clearly grasps at any and every morsel he can and posts them in thread after thread in order to incite some sort of flame war -- and he often succeeds. What he has never quite succeeded at, however, is convincing many of us that he has any real intellectual opinions of his own other than left wing talking posts lifted off of an MSNBC website or broadcast. Case in point is his constant prediction that South Carolina will neither support an African-American or a Mormon. Of course, after the South Carolina Governor recently came out and endorsed mormon Mitt Romney, all you could hear was crickets chirping around the Catfish bowl.

A few of us have the policy of not responding to the flame threads, hoping without catering to the flame intents, there won't be much interest, and the threads will drop out of site. The strategy is not as successful as it could be because some can't resist participating.

Anyhow, as the conservaposse try to deflect their frustrations out on me---obama is taking the house republicans to task for hurting hardworking american families. Boehner will be in tears by the time this is over with lmfao

rioriz saidMaybe I am wrong but since I joined years ago the same people are arguing the same issues to this day and while enjoy an good intelligent debate, there is clearly little of that around.

It is difficult to get good, substantive discussion. Could be that many do not want to put the effort or don't have the ability to delve into issues in a way that require more effort than the typical bloviating. For example, I started this thread. Not much discussion, but that could have been do to the scarcity of expertise in the area, but it was an attempt.

rioriz said^^^^ But it clearly seems Catfish that is what you want, for people to admit they are wrong and you are right. If not why so many topics created ad nauseum harping the same viewpoint and inviting the usual banter of partison politics? There is no right or wrong really, it is all a matter of opinion.

So in essence I am left to believe, like many others, A.) you post to get approval from like minded individuals and reiterate your belief, B.) you post to incite the usual offenders to be pulled into an endless argument of right or wrong, or C.) you post wanting to hear someone from the other side admit that they are finally wrong and your belief is the superior one..

I agree with the latter point in your first paragraph, but disagree with your second. I posted this from "politico" as more of an update. I didn't offer my opinion on anything.

As SB said it was not referring to you, I think you are pretty good at posting topics and threads that Could offer some intelligent banter!

rioriz saidMaybe I am wrong but since I joined years ago the same people are arguing the same issues to this day and while enjoy an good intelligent debate, there is clearly little of that around.

It is difficult to get good, substantive discussion. Could be that many do not want to put the effort or don't have the ability to delve into issues in a way that require more effort than the typical bloviating. For example, I started this thread. Not much discussion, but that could have been do to the scarcity of expertise in the area, but it was an attempt.